Taxonomy and molecular evaluation of the Halosphaeriaceae (Microascales, Hypocreomycetidae)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study re-evaluates the classification of the Halosphaeriaceae (Microascales, Hypocreomycetidae) based on phylogenetic analyses of 18S and 28S regions of rDNA and protein coding genes (rDNA, RPB1, RPB2, TEF1-ɑ, MCM7) along with comprehensive morphological comparisons. Halosphaeriaceae are worldwide in distribution and commonly found in marine habitats. A natural classification was not possible when the family was introduced, since it predated molecular phylogenetic studies; therefore, morphology-based descriptions only were provided. This study recognises 77 genera with 202 species which includes seven new genera ( Neoaniptodera , Neogesasha , Neohalosarpheia , Pangia , Remisporiopsis , Sheareromyces , Shiiraspora ), and one new species Ocostaspora japonica . The new taxonomic combinations include Halosarpheia australiensis , Halosphaeriopsis alopallonella , Neoaniptodera juncicola , Neogesasha mangrovei , Neohalosarpheia marina , Pangia limnetica , Remisporiopsis macrocephala , R. quadri-remis , R. spitsbergenensis , R. stellatus , R. submersa , Sheareromyces aquibella , Shiiraspora salsuginosa and Thalassogena unicellularis . Divergent time estimation of Halosphaeriaceae, based on combined 18S, 28S rDNA, RPB1, RPB2, TEF1-ɑ, MCM7 sequences, indicates that the family originated in the Paleozoic at ~545 MYA. Ecologically, Halosphaeriaceae species occur widely on different substrates and play an important role in the recycling of complex organic material. They are often early colonizers of wood in the marine environment and are the source of a wide range of enzymes and antimicrobials.
Source: MycoKeys
Authors: Monika C. Dayarathne, E. B. Gareth Jones, Ali H. Bahkali, Bandarupalli Devadatha, Kevin D. Hyde, Mohamed A. Abdel-Wahab, Mark S. Calabon, Pedro Correia, Faten A. Abdel-Aziz, Mahmoud S. Bakhit, Jariya Sakayaroj, Chasika Prematunga, Maria F. Caeiro, Egídia Azevedo, Raheleh Asghari, Carlo Chris S. Apurillo, Amuhenage Tharindu Bhagya, Herbert Dustin Aumentado, Samhita Mukhopadhyay, Chayanard Phukhamsakda, Yanpeng Chen, Sajeewa S. Maharachchikumbura, Sheng-Yu Guo, Ka-Lai Pang
Institutions: Mae Fah Luang University, University of Manitoba, King Saud University, Pondicherry University, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Sohag University, University of the Philippines Visayas, University of Lisbon, Walailak University, Shenzhen University, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, National Taiwan Ocean University
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $970
OpenAlex ID: W7165945210